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New Crash Test Norms: Nine Of 15 Maruti Suzuki Models Made It

Out of the fifteen passenger cars in its portfolio, only nine of Maruti Suzuki cars have passed the new crash test norms by the Bharat NCAP in India. According to Maruti Suzuki the S-Cross, Ciaz, Ertiga, Vitara Brezza, Baleno, Dzire, Swift, Ignis and Celerio models already meet the future frontal, off-set-frontal, side impact and pedestrian crash norms.

Out of all the vehicles that passed the crash test, the Ciaz is due for a refresh while an all-new Ertiga will be launched in India market later this year. While the cars that didn’t really make it through the test include the Maruti Eeco, Gypsy, Omni, Alto K10, Alto 800 and WagonR models. Currently, the company is already developing an updated model for the Alto K10 and Alto 800 as well as a new Wagon R. Also, the manufacturer has ensured that all these models will be meeting the safety norms before the timeline ends.

The important thing here is about the other cars- the Eeco, Omni and Gypsy, that didn’t pass the crash test. Though, Maruti has claimed that their new Jimny model is an advanced and modern replacement for the Gypsy, but there are no reports about when the Jimny will make it to India. About the Omni and Eeco, Maruti needs to think about a way as both these cars are one of the best sellers by the automaker in the country.

One thing to notice is that Maruti Suzuki has a state of the art testing facility in Rohtak, Haryana and a passing rate of 60 per cent in the crash test is an under-achievement for the manufacturer. That too when the automaker even claims to conduct 35-40 crash tests with each of its model.

However, the new pedestrian protection norms introduced on October 1, 2018, it will be enforced on all the new launches and after October 1, 2020 these norms will go on to cover all cars on sale in the market. The new norms for full-frontal impact, off-set-frontal impact and side impact have been in force on all cars launched in India since October 1, 2017 and will extend to all cars on sale in the country from October 1, 2019. Also, with the Government becoming stricter by the day to ensure the safety level of cars in the country, hence safety features such as ABS and airbags must come as standard.

Also, when Maruti Suzuki is reaching new heights in the Indian auto market, such things become very important to consider keeping in mind the safety of the passengers. Most of the cars in the portfolio of Maruti in the country are best sellers in their respective segments, hence only 60 per cent of crash test passing can be quite harmful for not only the sales of the Maruti Suzuki cars but also for the image of the automaker in the market. Currently, the manufacturer is preparing for the launch of the updated Ciaz in the country and has achieved 20 million vehicle production mark in the country as well.